Research Associate Multi-Scale Analysis for Facilities for Energy Storage (Manifest)

Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering

Research Associate Multi-scale Analysis for Facilities for Energy Storage (Manifest)

Job Ref: REQ17111

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to redeployment, please note that this vacancy may be withdrawn at any stage of the recruitment process if a suitable redeployee is identified.

School/Department summary

Loughborough University (CREST) in collaboration with University partners from the five consortia funded by the ‘Eight Great Technologies’ energy storage equipment call (Birmingham University, Imperial College London, University College London, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Cardiff University, Newcastle University, University of Manchester, University of Liverpool, University of Sheffield, Aston University, Southampton University, University of Warwick, University of Nottingham and STFC) have been awarded funding from the EPSRC to address a set of research questions that apply across a range of energy storage technologies supported by the capital investment. The full MANIFEST project aims to consider the key challenges, across length scales, from materials to devices, to systems, specifically addressing:

• how the materials used in energy storage technologies, including batteries and thermal energy storage can be engineered to enhance performance and how they degrade during operation

• how processes are modelled in the different technologies,

• validation of the models with suitable experiments,

• how energy storage devices can be integrated into the energy system most effectively, and

• how data from operational runs of pilot plants can improve understanding of the role of energy storage.

The main areas of research to be performed at CREST relate to thermal energy storage and include:

• the development and experimental characterisation of new composite materials for thermal energy storage, • a review of existing models and approaches used for thermal energy storage • developing new models if required to fill gaps and address shortcomings of current approaches covering length scales ranging from detailed material models to those suitable for simulating large scale systems. • design and development of experimental storage modules, components and systems to enable validation of models and measure charge/discharge characteristics under typical storage system operational conditions • using the validated models design, develop and evaluate scalable thermal energy storage systems and understand how they can be integrated into energy networks, (electricity and heat) and the value that they deliver.

Job Description

Job Grade: Research Grade 6

Job Purpose The Research Associate will be involved in the design, development, modelling, analysis and experimental characterisation of thermal energy storage materials, components and systems at a range of temperatures. Determining the potential of using medium and high temperature storage systems for electrical power generation to deliver electrical power outputs that meet grid requirements in future energy networks will form a key aspect of the research associates work.

Job Duties

To be responsible for undertaking the main research activities as follows: • Identifying, developing, screening and characterisation of candidate thermal storage materials using techniques including Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and laser flash thermal diffusivity measurements. • Design and undertake experiments to determine the effective performance and characteristics of energy storage materials at small scales. • Develop and experimentally validate appropriate material and thermal store simulation tools to enable effective prediction of material and thermal store performance and understand design limitations. • Develop and commission experimental thermal storage test systems and characterise the performance of a range of prototype laboratory scale thermal energy storage systems using anticipated charge and discharge cycles required for real operational conditions. • Undertake cycling and long term durability tests on selected store designs and materials. • Identify optimal store operational strategies for high temperature stores, capacity and heat delivery rates, when used for electrical power generation to deliver electrical power outputs that meet grid requirements in future energy networks. • Identify requirements and limitations in relation to store scalability and integration of thermal storage with energy supply networks. • Determine how modular stores may be used to meet a range of power output and duration requirements and develop appropriate control strategies. • To assist in the dissemination of results arising out of the project. • To travel to collaborators’ locations within the UK and report on the progress of the project. • To provide feedback to the project team on progress and assist in preparing interim and final project reports. • To work as a committed member of the project and university team. • To make presentations to industry and academia. • To publish the outcomes of research in international journals and conferences. • To assist in tutorials and laboratory sessions for students if needed.

The purpose of this job description is to indicate the general level of duties and responsibility of the post. The detailed duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character or level of responsibility entailed.

Special Conditions

All staff have a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff are therefore required to adhere to the University’s Health, Safety and Environmental Policy & Procedures.

All staff should hold a duty and commitment to observing the University’s Equality & Diversity policy and procedures at all times. Duties must be carried out in accordance with relevant Equality & Diversity legislation and University policies/procedures.

Successful completion of probation will be dependent on attendance at the University’s mandatory courses which include Respecting Diversity and, where appropriate, Recruitment and Selection.

Organisational Responsibility

Reports to the Professor Philip Eames.

Your application will be reviewed against the essential and desirable criteria listed below. Applicants are strongly advised to explicitly state and evidence how they meet each of the essential (and desirable) criteria in their application. Stages of assessment are as follows:

1 – Application 2 – Test/Assessment Centre/Presentation 3 – Interview

Essential Criteria Area Criteria Stage Experience Background in Mechanical/Chemical Engineering, or Science related to 1, 3 thermal engineering Experience of successfully designing and undertaking a complex 1, 3 programme of experimental work Practical experience of working with thermal energy systems 1, 3 Practical experience of relevant experimental analysis techniques 1, 3 Experience of developing and successfully using detailed simulation 1, 3 models Experience of developing simple simulation models 1, 3 Experience of having produced technical reports and / or guidance 1, 3 materials on engineering or science topics A journal and conference publication record commensurate with current 1, 3 career path and stage Skills and abilities Knowledge of heat transfer and fluid mechanics 1, 3 Knowledge of experimental techniques associated with heat transfer 1, 3 studies Ability to design and manage the construction of experimental rigs 1, 3 Excellent written and oral communication, and IT skills 1, 3 Self-motivated with ability to meet deadlines 1, 3 Ability to work independently and as part of a team, interacting with 1, 3 different academic and industrial partners Excellent interpersonal, and organisational skills 1, 3 Training Demonstrate evidence of having undertaken further training 1, 3 Qualifications Relevant PhD in an Engineering discipline preferably related to thermal 1, 3 engineering A good honours degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or Materials 1, 3 Science, or other suitable subject

Desirable Criteria Area Criteria Stage Experience Current or recent relevant work experience at post-doctoral level in an 1, 3 academic or industrial environment Experience of modelling thermal energy storage systems 1, 3 Practical experience of working with thermal energy storage systems 1, 3 including sensible and phase change materials Experience of developing complex models for heat transfer and fluid flow 1, 3

Copyright © Loughborough University. All rights reserved. 4 Experience of modelling thermal energy systems 1, 3 Understanding of power generation cycles 1, 3 Experience of authoring original work for academic journal papers, 1, 3 conference papers or technical reports for industry Skills and abilities Ability to assist in teaching of undergraduate or postgraduate students 1, 3 Working knowledge of a range of software packages and excellent 1, 3 ability in a programming language Previous experience of successfully undertaking a detailed experimental 1, 3 test campaign and data analysis Previous experience of model validation and performance of a 1, 3 parametric analysis Previous experience of producing reports 1, 3

Conditions of Service

The position is part time (0.8FTE) and fixed term for 3 years (between 5 April 2017 and 31 January 2020). Salary will be on Research Grade 6, £29,301 - £31,076 pro rata per annum, at a starting salary to be confirmed on offer of appointment.

The appointment will be subject to the University’s normal Terms and Conditions of Employment for Academic and Related staff, details of which can be found here.

The University is committed to enabling staff to maintain a healthy work-home balance and has a number of family- friendly policies which are available at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/hr/a-z/family-leave-policy-and-procedure--- page.html.

We also offer an on-campus nursery with subsidised places, subsidised places at local holiday clubs and a childcare voucher scheme (further details are available at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/hr/a-z/childcare- information---page.html

In addition, the University is supportive, wherever possible, of flexible working arrangements. We also strive to create a culture that supports equality and celebrates diversity throughout the campus. The University holds a Bronze Athena SWAN award which recognises the importance of support for women at all stages of their academic career. For further information on Athena SWAN see http://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/hr/athena-swan/

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquiries should be made to Professor Philip Eames by email at [email protected] or by telephone on 01509 635347.

Applications

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5 March 2017.